History of Willsboro, (Essex County) New York United States of America

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William Higby, representative, was born at Willsboro, N.Y., Aug. 18, 1813; youngest son of Levi Higby. He spent his boyhood on his father's farm and engaged in the lumber and iron business. He was graduated from the University of Vermont in 1840 and practised law in his native county until 1849, when he removed to Calaverne, Cal., and engaged for a time in mining, without success. He was district attorney of Cainverne county, 1853-59, and gained the rough nickname of "Bloody Bill" because of his severity to criminals. He was district judge, 1859-61; state senator, 1862, and a representative in the 38th, 39th and 40th congresses, 1863-69. In the 40th congress he was chairman of the committee on mines and mining. He was married in 1865 to a daughter of Joseph Ringer. He was a delegate to the Philadelphia Loyalists' convention of 1866. He was collector of internal revenue for the first district of California by appointment of President Grant, 1877-81; engaged in farming, 1881-84, and three years before his death was stricken with paralysis. He died at Santa Rosa, Cal., Nov. 29, 1887.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

History of Willsboro, (Essex County) New York

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